Love a good belly laugh. Thanks for the great update. Lily Cardkin
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Lily. Laughter is very important to my state of mind!
On April 21, 2012...
2 miles walking a day? Looking good, buddy. -- DVB
Chuck Holmgreen Yep. Getting time to bump that up to another mile or so.
On April 21, 2012...
Hey Chuck, sounds like you are doing great! I was looking under the bathroom cabinet not long ago and I heard what I thought was a water leak. It turned out to be my valve and boy did it sound good! I am used to hearing it from time to time. If you go thru cardio rehab, you will find it boring at first, but will progress quickly. Time for my morning walk. Take care and God Bless.
Robert Hartner
Chuck Holmgreen That's funny!! Now and then, my wife & child will walk by me, stop for a second, then say, yep still ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen That's funny!! Now and then, my wife & child will walk by me, stop for a second, then say, yep still ticking!!
On April 20, 2012...
Awesome news Chuck so glad you are doing so good, wow a whole month already!!!
Thanks for the great update Chuck!
I'm weeks away. May 14th! How soon will you return to work?
Great update!!
Thanks
Steve
Chuck Holmgreen I'm not sure when I'll be released to go back to work or drive. I have follow up appointments with b ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen I'm not sure when I'll be released to go back to work or drive. I have follow up appointments with both the surgeon & cardiologist on Monday.
On April 20, 2012...
Awesome Update!! Glad you are doing well. I hope it continues.
It does get better thought I don't have my afternoon rest time anymore there are still some days I would give anything to get 20 mins of a quick nap or just rest..haha
Keep up the good work brother!!
Chuck Holmgreen I can understand that feeling. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. I've never been a nappe ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen I can understand that feeling. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. I've never been a napper. However, I'm going to have to break that habbit as my body allows me to.
On April 20, 2012...
Chuck,
I am glad to hear that everything is going so well and that you healing so quickly and making a strong recovery. Mary
Hey Chuck, was thinking about you this morning, hope you're doing well. Take care.
--Brad
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Brad - I really appreciate that. Yes, I'm doing well, just getting really impatient at thi ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Brad - I really appreciate that. Yes, I'm doing well, just getting really impatient at this point.
On April 13, 2012...
Chuck you are an amazing person. I hope to see you back at work soon.
Gwen
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Gwen, I think you're quite amazing as well!
On April 13, 2012...
Hey Chuck, Glad to here you are progressing so well. It does hurt when you laugh!!! Take care.
Robert Hartner
Chuck Holmgreen Yes, but it's a good pain! Laughter really can be the best medicine - in moderation, of course!
On April 11, 2012...
Hey Chuck That was a funny story I could just see it happening. Well they always say laughter is the best medicine. Glad you are getting around pretty good. Keep up the good work. Until then
For the long haul
LInda H
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Linda. I really think the funniest part was that everyone was laughing, simply because it i ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Linda. I really think the funniest part was that everyone was laughing, simply because it is nearly impossible to hold back a real laugh, but they were laughing with concerned looks because I was laughing with a look of pain on my face!
It really was a viscious circle.
On April 11, 2012...
Sneezes and laugh and ticking....oh my! All great milestones to pass. Great news Chuck. Keep pushing yourself and napping. And training for that race, are you nuts! Just kidding, I am sure you will be ready and do fine. Worst case, your sister kicks your butt and you never live it down. How's that for motivation to train?!?!?! Good luck. BTW, I am pretty sure last post is from you know who with the same last name as me.....
Take care,
-Mitch Friedman
Chuck Holmgreen Mitch - my sister is already doing her positioning. She has promised to "stay back" with me!! She i ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Mitch - my sister is already doing her positioning. She has promised to "stay back" with me!! She is 11 years my senior, about a foot shorter, about 100lb lighter and already running half marathons with her daughter.
My guess is that she will run with me then at the end, she will ensure she crosses the line prior to me -- just to make sure she has bragging rights!!
Now I need to find someone to make me a shirt that says "Ticking like a fake Rolex" that won't worry about trademark infringements!!
On April 11, 2012...
All good news, Chuck! Keep all of the bodily functions exercised... a laugh, a sneeze and a burp to boot! ... etc.etc... yeah,yeah,yeah!!
Chuck Holmgreen Those three have definitely been checked off! I'll keep the rest to myself as this is a family show! ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Those three have definitely been checked off! I'll keep the rest to myself as this is a family show!!
BTW - who is this?
On April 11, 2012...
Great update Chuck so good to hear how well you are progressing, I can not wait to be on the other side cause this side is not so fun, but you know that all to well :))
It amazes me when I read these posts about how well everyone is doing, just awe inspiring.
We all remember being on your side and how little we liked it. That is why we turn into a cheering section when we get on this side of the process. As cliche as it sounds, the waiting really is the worst part.
You'll do great, I'm certain of it!! Then you can help the new people out that, like the rest of us, were scared to death until we found this site!
On April 11, 2012...
Chuck,
What an inspiring message. Thanks for sharing! I'm really happy for you. I'm set for May 14th.
I'm sorry you told me in the past but did you go mechanical?
Yes, I chose mechanical at 44 for a host of reasons. I also had my aortic root and aortic arch replaced. With all that, I wanted to do all I could to minimize the chances of a second surgery.
I'll manage the Coumadin. That's a small price to pay to have a heart that works well again!!
On April 11, 2012...
Hi Chuck,
It's awesome reading how well you are doing. I am with you..The 1st thing I noticed was how my heart recovered after activity. It does so much more quickly after and during some of my walks.
After 6 weeks my Doc said I could introduce running. It was a struggle. You will be amazed of how much jiggle your chest area will have and the bouncing up and down feels weird. Now at a little over 7 weeks it feels better when I run a bit.
Good to hear you are running a little bit. It will be interesting to see if I feel any of the 'jiggle' you mentioned. I've played a bit with my son outside which included a small amount of jumping. I did not feel any jiggling, however it was not repetitive like jogging.
We'll see!
On April 11, 2012...
Hi Chuck,
It is good to see that you are doing so well. It is amazing how quickly the body can recover from the surgery. Fortunately, the medical profession has learned a lot about how to do these procedures.
Just a word of caution, I hope you check with your cardiologist/surgeon before beginning jogging. I was feeling pretty good around the 3rd or 4th week and was walking more and more. One evening I went a little further than I should have and just felt like I ran out of gas. It took several days to get to back to where I had been before the walk. My age (64) and the type of surgery (mitral valve repair) might have been factors.
I know you are anxious to improve, but it has only been a few weeks, and you have many years ahead of you to enjoy with your family.
I can appreciate that. I have pushed it too hard once or twice already. In my case, a good nap solved most of the issues. Luckily, I've had a lot of practice listening to my body as I was very symptomatic prior to surgery. I'm 44 and this surgery corrected my only physical issue.
However, due to your recommendation, I will pay extra special attention to my body as I start to add in some jogging.
I really do appreciate your concern. Thank you.
On April 8, 2012...
OK gotcha. I was just under the impression you went tissue. Not sure why I thought that. In any case, cool deal. Must be a bit weird to hear it ticking. Let me know how you come along with the INR levels
Jeff
Chuck Holmgreen So far, they've been rock solid. Had the surgery on Tuesday 3/20, that Saturday morning, the surgeon ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen So far, they've been rock solid. Had the surgery on Tuesday 3/20, that Saturday morning, the surgeon's partner said he would have to look at my INR levels before discharging me and immediatly his NP said - shoot, he's been stable since Wednesday. I've not had to change my dosage yet. We'll see how that changes once my sternum has healed enough for me to start training for the Peachtree.
Has your sensitive spot on the right side of your incision started to subside at all yet?
On April 8, 2012...
Cool! Yeah, video would be great ammunition for a malpractice case in case god forbid there was an issue.
Jeff
On April 8, 2012...
Sorry for the typo. You have a mechanical valve?
Jeff
Chuck Holmgreen Yes, I went mechanical. Had to do something to give this white boy some rhythm!! Either that or I n ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Yes, I went mechanical. Had to do something to give this white boy some rhythm!! Either that or I need to make a t-shirt that says: Ticking like a fake Rolex!!
With all the stuff that I needed to have replaced - valve, root & aortic arch, I figured that anything I could do to minimize the possibility of a resurgery would be in my best interest.
On April 8, 2012...
You have me mechanical valve? I thought you had tissue?
Jeff
On April 8, 2012...
Glad all is going well,remember what I told you !! Edgar
On April 8, 2012...
That was me, Jeff. Once again, forgot to write my name. DUH!
On April 8, 2012...
You got pics of the actual surgery? Darn, I should've asked for that!
I also got 8 pictures of the surgery. While I may bring them if we're able to get a group together around the November time frame, I'm not comfortable posting them online.
On April 5, 2012...
Awwww. But you covered up the best part. Your chest !!!
Glad u r well. Thanks for personal touch
Will be meeting up with Jeff again end of April & well take another thumps up pix
When that picture was taken, I'm not sure I even realized I had a chest at that point!!
On April 5, 2012...
Hey Chuck! Just checking in with you. I've been reading all of your past posts, and it appears that Super Man is living up to his name! Its good to hear how much you're progressing! Did I read correctly? You're going to be in the Peachtree Road Race? You know they just have a guy from Senegal drive to the finish line and get out right when the cameras show up, don't you? LOL I kid...I kid!! :-) Jeff has been holding down the SunTrust connection for us, and doing a great job. :-) You left us in great hands. Hope to talk to you soon! :-)
Michelle Kitchens
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Michelle -- however I'm not Superman, I'm Impatient man -- I have an "I" on my chest now, n ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Michelle -- however I'm not Superman, I'm Impatient man -- I have an "I" on my chest now, not and "S"!!
Yes, I'm registered for the PRR. And I'm more concerned about that than I was the surgery!
I'm glad Jeff is doing a good job for you. He is a great partner.
On April 5, 2012...
Oh, I forgot to mention that also enjoyed reading your 15 days post-op post. Glad to know you're doing so well. Lily
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Lily. You're description of walking outside the first time was wonderful - and familiar. ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Lily. You're description of walking outside the first time was wonderful - and familiar.
It is also great to read that you are very positive. As has been written earlier in your guestbook, that will serve you well in your healing.
Welcome home! I hope after 15 days out, you will be even further along than me!
On April 5, 2012...
Chuck, GREAT thumbs up photo. Lily Cardlin
On April 4, 2012...
That's awesome for the thumbs up the same day. I just wanted to sleep.
Glad you are doing well my friend.
Jimmy Johnson
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Jimmy. It's good to know you are also doing well.
On April 4, 2012...
Hi Chuck, Your picture looks like you are pretty happy. Glad to hear you are doing so good. I too have a small hill to walk. I go up the hill then turn around and go down and have to go back up a little hill to get to my cul de sac. Then it is dirt and rocks. I push myself to get ready for whenever. Then it will for fun haha. You take care.
For the long haul
Linda H
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Linda. I still had a LOT of drugs going through my system at that point. I'm not sure I w ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Linda. I still had a LOT of drugs going through my system at that point. I'm not sure I was feeling much of anything! But I knew I was on the other side.
I do truly wish you the very best and we'll be here waiting for you.
On April 4, 2012...
I laughed when I saw it and I am not even an RN! Hope it is not too soon to make you laugh. I loved your 15 day post. You really are doing great Chuck. I am so happy for you. Paying it forward is the best way to thank the people that came before you. It is what I have tried to do. I agree this site is amazing.
At 2 months post op, I am doing really well. Got my butt kicked at rehab today because I told the main guy to 'bring it' and I guess he felt I needed a little humble pie. I was sweating my butt off, felt great!!! First time in 2 months. I might even be sore tomorrow!
Keep up the good recovery work.
-Mitch Friedman
Chuck Holmgreen Great to hear from you Mitch and I'm really glad to know you continue to do well. You did pay it for ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Great to hear from you Mitch and I'm really glad to know you continue to do well. You did pay it forward and I am a grateful recipient. Like you, I'm thrilled to now be in a position to help.
Be sore tomorrow - embrace it and enjoy it --- Watch out World MITCH IS BACK!!!
On April 4, 2012...
Hi Chuck - My surgery is tomorrow and I am obviously anxious to get it done and behind me. I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well. It helped to read your journals again to watch your progress before and after surgery. It was good to hear the pain was managable. We have stairs in our house too, can't wait. Keep on walking and be well !!
Chuck Holmgreen I'm going to admit a similarity between me and Mitch F. I've become a bit more emotional since surge ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen I'm going to admit a similarity between me and Mitch F. I've become a bit more emotional since surgery. I read your response to my wife and the realization that you read my journal again and it helped you really choked me up.
This journal site has been invaluable to me and I do my best to return the favor to others. Thank you for letting me know it is working for you. That really means a lot to me.
Regarding the stairs - you probably won't like them for the first 2-3 days, but just take them slowly. Then one time you'll cruise up them then realize - wow! That was easy!
Be well and you'll be in my prayers tomorrow.
On April 4, 2012...
Chuck,
What a great update today so glad to hear how well you are doing after only 2 weeks, amazing!!
That is pretty good with the walking and uphill, I will be in the same position as you, the top of my street is uphill, coming back will be great :) but not so sure about the going.
Thanks for your posts and I know you will continue to get better, just to see how far you have already come.
Allow me to be Captain Obvious for a bit. When you start walking outside, take small steps and don't worry about distance or time. You'll still be amazed at how quickly you recover.
The first time I walked the neighborhood (1 mile total) it took around 30 minutes or so. I did it today, just a few days later and did it in 19 minutes. I felt my strides getting longer today but had to force myself to shorten them going up the hills. I still got tired, but it was a good tired and I recovered faster than I would have prior to surgery. Great breakthrough day today!!
On April 4, 2012...
Hi Chuck,
Sounds like things are going great and I'm so happy for you. I'm like you, not very patient! I'm walking a very fast pace and yesterday and today I interspersed a little jogging as well just to see how I would do. I did pretty well in fact, and my chest didn't hurt from the pounding or anything. I am at exactly 4 weeks today (but I'll wait for one month to do my update) and things are just going great. My only real issue is that I'm having a lot of sensitivity of the skin of my chest, worse on the right side. It's not the incision, it's just the skin over the upper chest area. It's so annoying that I can't even stand shirts touching it. The incision shield helps some. Apparently, this can go on for about 3 months post surgery. Hey, but I'll deal with some annoying skin as my only " side effect†or “complicationâ€.
Jeff Shebovsky
Wonderful to hear from you. Somewhere around 4 weeks, I may start jogging a bit as well. Need to make sure I'm ready for the Peachtree and the fact that I've never been a runner.
I found it interesting in one of your posts where you were talking about your weight. I was given some pretty strong diuretics in the hospital to ensure I stayed away from pneumonia, so I didn't have the "post surgery" weight to contend with. Funny thing was, I left the hospital 10 lbs lighter than when I checked in. I'm now back up about 4 of that, but maintaining. Looking to lose about 30 more with the new heart.
We have the chest pain in common. My incision is still sensitive but not overly so. I have one spot between my pecks about an inch to the right of my incision that I've been putting a thin layer of gauze over to stop my shirts from touching it. It's about the size of a quarter.
My sternum will still ache when I’m trying to max out the spirometer, but today, I hit my pre surgery base line (3000ml). I can’t even express how much better my lungs feel and how quickly they recovered from surgery by using that darn thing!
Looking forward to your one month update.
On April 4, 2012...
Chuck,
I am glad you are doing so well and your progress is amazing. Mary
Chuck,
Best of luck at the Peacetree road race. You're doing great with your recovery. Keep it up
- Jim Smith
Chuck Holmgreen Much appreciated Jim. The Peachtree has me nervous!
On April 4, 2012...
Chuck,
Sounds like you're doing GREAT!
So happy for you. I read your entry and felt like it was parallel to my last 2 weeks.
I can tell you the last few days (I guess it would be day 17-19) I feel even BETTER.
No more naps. Only 1 Motrin per day. Really able to see "normal" right around the corner.
Liked your post about your Tylenol experience! haha God Bless your wife!
Chuck Holmgreen The funniest part about the Tylenol experience was that if my wife hadn't taken care of it, my sister ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen The funniest part about the Tylenol experience was that if my wife hadn't taken care of it, my sister (also an RN) was ready to go balistic!! I'm surounded by nurses!
On April 4, 2012...
Chuck,
So well said! Thank you.
I'm scheduled for May 14th and I just love your updates.
Keep up the great work and stay healthy!
Steve
Chuck Holmgreen Steve, you're going to do great! Please believe it.
For me, the biggest value of this site was help ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Steve, you're going to do great! Please believe it.
For me, the biggest value of this site was helping me get comfortable with the whole situation (there was a lot involved in that). I hope my posts are as helpful to those of you still waiting.
On March 30, 2012...
Great to hear you're doing so well. The Peachtree!! Way to "goal"!! Good Luck and keep up the healing. Jeannette Jonaitis
On March 29, 2012...
Congrats on your Peachtree entry! What a great race and a great goal. I tried to enter when I lived in Milton, but no luck. I'm sure you will do awesome!
Kerry Thomas
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Kerry. I think the Peachtree actually has me more nervous than my surgery. I've never bee ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Kerry. I think the Peachtree actually has me more nervous than my surgery. I've never been a runner.
I plan to finish, and I will consider that Awesome!
My prayers are with you.
On March 29, 2012...
Chuck - its so good to see you doing well. Keep it up. I kept my heart pillow close for a few weeks. A cough would sneak up on me. I had my 1st sneeze last night. 5 weeks postoperative so it didn't hurt that badly.
Keep getting well brother. I got the all clear today to do what I want and he old ticker sounded perfect. No murmur.
Jimmy Johnson
On March 29, 2012...
You are just an inspiration, Chuck! I know you're gonna rock it at that race. :-) I hear you about the pollen. I'm a lot farther north than you but they say it's the worst in years because of the crazy warm weather we've been having. Glad your recovery is going so well.
Selma
On March 28, 2012...
Hey Chuck, Got a suggestion, when you are outside why don't you try and wear a mask. That might keep the pollen out. I know my car is now a yucky shade of yellow. Doesn't even help to wash it. Even if we could just get some rain might help.
Good luck
For the long haul
Linda H
On March 28, 2012...
God Luck with the Peachtree Road Race. I have been selected to run this year also. Maybe I will see you there. And don't be afraid to run/walk. That is what I do. :-)
Chuck Holmgreen Congratulations on being picked -- but I have to ask - who is this?
On March 28, 2012...
Glad to hear that your recovery is going smoothly. It's amazing how much better your body feels when your heart is working properly.
Chuck Holmgreen Agreed. Mine is more efficient now but is still getting used to the new parts. I'll be happy when i ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Agreed. Mine is more efficient now but is still getting used to the new parts. I'll be happy when it settles down into the new and better normal.
On March 28, 2012...
Chuck, Great to hear of your steady progress. Keep up the good work.
Blessings
- Jim Smith
On March 27, 2012...
You definitely owe me royalties for "integrated" and "for it being manageable" !!!! So glad to hear you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. You walking yet? If not, get to it!!!! Do a little more each day. It really helps the recovery.
Take care Chuck. And for the record, I do not believe any of that stuff Nancy said about you behind your back. Oops, sorry, too early to make you laugh......
-Mitch Friedman
Chuck Holmgreen Mitch, you're a trip and I'm blessed to know you. Now about those royalties, I'll give you my insura ... Read more
Chuck Holmgreen Mitch, you're a trip and I'm blessed to know you. Now about those royalties, I'll give you my insurance infromation.
I've had more than a few good laughs. They hurt less each time. Made really good friends with my heart pillow each time!